Everyone is in a downswing, here, it seems like. We've hit the point where we know our trip is past halfway; the thrill of drinking has worn off and sobering up has made everyone introspective and quiet.

I have two pages left in my Moleskine journal. I am writing constantly, but not really writing. I can't seem to handle the whole processing, structuring, detailing, writing for an audience thing. Instead I am recording small events in smaller writing and keeping it all bound up with elastic. I write on the tram, on the cobblestone pathways, in art museums and parks.

My eating habits are evening out, also. We've found our regular grocery stores, the best and least expensive ice cream places, and our favorite dishes (I've fallen hopelessly in love with potato & mushroom soup).

Socially, there is drama, of course. We're a mini society under a microscope on speed, pretty much. Relationships are intense. It's both entertaining and exhausting.

This afternoon our lectures were both on the Jewish Eastern-European perspective. The focus was around the Czech Republic (surprise), and both speakers were amazing: Tomas Kraus & Arnost Lustig. Arnost is a widely acclaimed author, has been on the shortlist for the Nobel Peace Prize. I'm excited to read his novels when I get back into the states. He's also coming to WMU in the fall (October) for a three-day long series of talks & presentations.

It's been rainy and colder here for the past five or so days, but today it's clearing up and warm enough for t-shirts and skirts again. I'm going to savor it and go read in the park.